A LARGE crowd, including a few inquisitive league spectators, made their way down Moss Lane on Saturday to see a St Helens Legends side take on a Rest of the World Legends team made up from rugby union players from all around the globe.
It was definitely a case of the two codes coming together - and the event was a fitting celebration of the oval ball game in St Helens with the barriers between the codes well and truly down.
It was a day without formalities - and people standing on ceremony; President Ray French ensured that the car park ran smoothly while LSH chairman Tom Jackson took up his traditional role in the front row.
Saints boss Justin Holbrook even gave up his afternoon to provide coaching tips and the water boy in a match played in a good spirit
The game, sponsored by Sherdley Park Golf Club and Univar Ltd, was played to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the St Helens Rugby Union Club (now Liverpool St Helens).
And as an added bonus it raised more than £1,200 for St Helens Autism Support.
After a nip and tuck opening half, in which World team scrum half Darren Wilson produced an outstanding effort to touch down, the St Helens side featuring a who’s who of Super League greats began to get on top.
Although all retired from playing rugby league the likes of Paul Wellens, Lee Briers, Ade Gardner, Sean Long, Tommy Martyn and Martin Gleeson, who are still involved in coaching in the 13-man code, showed they still have plenty of plays up their sleeves.
None more so than Briers, who produced a real box of tricks as the St Helens team triumphed by 46-28.
Read: Talking points from rugby weekend>
In what was a proper competitive contact match, the former Saints, Warrington and Wales half back Briers - who retired from league with a neck injury in 2013 - rolled back the years with his all round performance helping to deliver the victory.
And he was voted Man of the Match after scoring a hat trick of tries, booting seven goals and being the all round midfield general with his prompting, probing and passing game.
No wonder he had a smile on his face.
It was less a happy afternoon for Long, who was led from the field in no little agony in the first half after popping out his shoulder.
Numerous attempts were made to remedy the problem at the ground - but to no avail and he was led away by concerned coach Holbrook.
Thankfully the injury was fixed on Saturday night and the shoulder is now fine ahead of his coaching duties for the busy Easter.
LSH Chairman Tommy Jackson, who organised the day with former club captain Jan Lourens and both played in it, was overwhelmed by the support both from all the players and spectators.
“It has been a great day” he said.
“I can’t thank all the lads from both League and Union enough for turning out, and the response from the people of St Helens has been brilliant.
“They saw a very decent game and at the end of the day have helped raise a sizeable sum for a very worthwhile cause.”
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